A VOLUNTEER at a local football club has been recognised by the FA for over fifty years of service.

Neil McKeating, AKA Ashy, has been awarded for his many years of service with a well deserved trophy.

He has been helping out at Workington AFC for over half a century and his dedication to his beloved team has not gone unnoticed.

Mr McKeating said: "It's great really I didn't expect anything like this to happen.

"The interest I've received from so many people has been amazing.

"I just love football and like to see people happy."

Neil was presented the FA Volunteer Of The Year Award by the Cumberland Football Association.

This is for his amazing help working with Workington AFC and other Sunday league teams.

He was presented with the trophy and certificate prior to Workington's game against Carlisle United my David Bowden the team's Chairman.

Neil told us that he started getting involved with the team when he was a teenager as a ball boy and has since had a number of different roles.

After working as groundsmen for sometime he moved onto being the announcer before matches, which he has been doing for twenty years.

He told us that he very much enjoys this role as he has also worked as a DJ in his spare time.

Mr Mckeating said: "I've always been passionate about Workington AFC I'm there almost everyday and attend every game.

"I don't think I'll ever leave on my own accord and I'm planning to stay for sometime yet."

His career highlight was meeting Bill Shankley.